[BUG] Continue support for illumos/Solaris platforms via npm

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Bug Description

The standalone Claude Code binary distributed via claude install is a Linux ELF binary that requires glibc and the Linux dynamic linker (/lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2). This binary is incompatible with illumos/Solaris-based operating systems like SmartOS, OmniOS, and OpenIndiana, which use a different kernel and system libraries.

The npm-based installation previously worked correctly on these platforms because Node.js has native illumos/Solaris support. After running claude install, the working npm-based CLI is replaced with a Linux binary that cannot execute.

Environment Info

• Platform: illumos/SmartOS (Solaris derivative)
• Terminal: xterm-256color
• Version: 2.1.15
• Installation method: claude install (replaces working npm version)

What Should Happen?

Please continue support for npm installation to maintain compatibility with illumos/Solaris platforms. These operating systems are commonly used in enterprise infrastructure, particularly for:

• ZFS-based storage systems
• Container/zone management (SmartOS)
• High-reliability server infrastructure

Alternative solutions would include:

1. Continuing npm distribution alongside standalone binary
2. Providing illumos/Solaris native binaries
3. Distributing statically-linked binaries that work across Unix variants

Error Messages/Logs

claude
2.1.15: Cannot find /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
Killed

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install SmartOS, OmniOS, OpenIndiana, or similar illumos-based OS
2. Previously working setup: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude
3. Run claude install to update
4. Attempt to run claude command
5. Error: Binary fails with "Cannot find /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2"

Claude Model

Not sure / Multiple models

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

npm-based version (@anthropic-ai/claude package before deprecation)

Claude Code Version

2.1.15 (Claude Code)

Platform

Other

Operating System

Other

Terminal/Shell

Other

Additional Information

illumos is the open-source continuation of OpenSolaris and is used in several production operating systems:

• SmartOS: Joyent's container-focused OS (used by many cloud providers)
• OmniOS: Enterprise server OS
• OpenIndiana: Community-driven Solaris successor

These platforms have robust Node.js support but cannot run Linux ELF binaries without emulation. The global zone environment (equivalent to bare metal/hypervisor level) particularly requires native binaries.

Similar to issue #20020 regarding older CPUs, this affects users on enterprise-grade infrastructure who cannot use the standalone binary. Please consider maintaining npm distribution or providing cross-platform binaries.